Charles Walker asks the new Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, why if the EU budget was such a fair deal for Europe, why is it that France was so happy with the outcome?

Mr. Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): If this was such a fair deal for Europe, why was France so happy with the outcome?

Mr. Hoon: When I was at the Ministry of Defence, there were a number of rather large oil paintings depicting Britain's great victories over France in the past. I would hope, however, that in the 21st century it was important for us to work closely with our nearest neighbour, as well as other members of the European Union. Certainly France was happy, and I am sure that that was because of the extremely effective negotiating skills of Britain's Ministers.

| Hansard"